BT signs first smart meter deal

BT has joined the gathering feeding frenzy around smart metering of utilities with its first ever deal to provide the necessary internet connectivity, to a minimum of 10,000 meters.

The firm's BT Redcare division, which operates a network for security devices including alarms and CCTV, has signed a deal to connect up smart meters for IMServ, an energy management firm.

The government has said all 26 million UK households should have smart meters by 2020. The target means a potential bonanza for ISPs and savings and control for energy firms. The benefits to consumers given the proposed details of the scheme are less clear.